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Foundations of Spiritual Formation: A Community Approach to Becoming Like Christ

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This book is a must read for all Christians who desire to grow in their relationship with the Lord! "Community" is a sort of buzzword in Christian circles today but, of the plethora of books offered on this topic, Pettit's book stands alone. "It is my thoughtful conclusion that any man or woman in college or graduate school without an accountability group is an accident waiting to happen. It is just a matter of time. Character failure is seldom a blowout; it is usually the result of a long, slow leak" (Hendricks, 9). I read this quote on the first page of the book and I was immediately hooked. Petit and company offer a fresh, biblical perspective on what true, spiritual formation is. As our society becomes increasingly individualistic, this book reminds us that we cannot do the Christian walk alone...we need each other!
I especially appreciate the focus in part II of the book, which looks at practical characteristics of spiritual formation with emphases on obedience, character, love, & leadership. Each chapter is written by a different expert in the field and study of spiritual formation, giving this book a distinct, balanced, perspective. The entire book is founded on the Word of God, not current trends in Christian community and spiritual formation. I highly, highly recommend this book for anyone currently in ministry and anyone seeking to better understand God's call for believers to live and grow in community.

Foundations of Spiritual Formation returns spiritual formation to it's pre-modern, church history days by arguing that we become more like Christ in Christian community. The editor, Paul Pettit, wisely divides this text into an opening section on the theology of spiritual formation for and in community, and then the closing section on the methodology of spiritual formation for and in community.

Leading experts in the field integrate theology and practice seamlessly. Along with other recent texts, this should be a staple for Evangelical spiritual formation.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction" "Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," and "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."

I have to say, this is a must have for any resource on discipleship. Variety of Christian self-help books explores how to be a better Christian. Yet this book is refreshing in reflecting on the role of community to grow in one's understanding of the Bible, godly character, and, essentially, worship of God.

Many times books either solely dwell on the theology or skip the foundational pieces to go straight towards application. It can leave the reader asking why should I take this approach or how really would this work? This book provides a nice blend where Part I provides the foundation/theory behind discipleship while Part II provides practical steps and ideas (especially the chapter on developing a life story). It is important to understand why we believe that it is important to be a part of a community as compared to a Christian lone ranger approach.

Even though Foundations of Spiritual Formation is directed to readers that are in seminary, this is a good read for any Christian that is actively mentoring!

We, as Christ followers, were never meant to walk alone. The message of the gospel is one of relationship between the individual and God and between God and a fellowship of believers--community. It is through community we grow, stay on track (accountability), and know the fullest joy of security in fellowship.

FOUNDATIONS OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION takes the academic reasoning behind our need for community and, using the foundation of Scripture, shows us how and why community is a vital element of our faith walk. The varied, learned authors deal with their respective aspect of community in different styles--some more academically than others. But the whole work provides a solid foundation for what is so needed in our individualistic, self-centered culture--each other.

Pg. 275: ...Christian spiritual formation consists of knowing your identity in Christ, so that you can make yourself known to others in the Christian community, so that you can pursue a lifetime of integrity in the context of community, so that you are fully equipped to glorify Christ by serving others in ministry.

My copy is now well marked and there is so much, I will be going back for a second go-over.

Recommended. ---See more reviews at AUTHOR'S CHOICE REVIEWS http://IDealinhope.com/bookreviews

What Would Jesus Do? It's put on many a T-shirt to sell, but the sentiment holds true. "Foundations of Spiritual Formation: A Community Approach to Becoming Like Christ" is a combination of many minds coming together and discussing the need for churches to lead their community in viewing Christ as more of the role model he is. "Foundations of Spiritual Formation" is written in two parts; the first helps leaders lay the foundation for spiritual growth, while the second seeks to help readers embrace the more practical knowledge one needs in pursuing godliness. "Foundations of Spiritual Formation" is a strong pick for any religious leader who wants to push their congregation to higher heights.

"There is no room for an independent in the body of Christ because we are all interdependent upon each other--we are one body" (Pettit, 10).

For most Westerners this is a hard, uncomfortable pill to swallow. Why? Because we have grown to be disconnected and individualistic, direct obstacles to building community. Much discussion surrounding Christian growth emanates from a privatized, isolated viewpoint. An overemphasis is placed on the individual believer, apart from his or her Christian community. However, Pettit observes that the New Testament exclusively speaks of growth in community (21). This book does not, in any way, discredit the personal aspect of growth, but it does argue the other component--an intentional attempt to include the corporate aspect of maturity in Christ.

This book does not simply throw theory and theology at you, leaving you left saying, "So now what?", but it follows up the theory and theology with practical elements and applications to spiritual formation that get you up, moving, and engaged. The book is filled with thoughts from a variety of notable evangelical scholars, presenting a balanced and well-formed perspective and compilation. I'm sure I will be revisiting this book, as I thought it to be a great contribution to the implications and beauty of being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ, together.

I wonder when a community approach to becoming like Christ will be the ideal again?

DISTINCTIVE

This collection of essays does not crown `holiness in solo' as the essence of sacred piety. It shifts personal spirituality over on the victor's plinth, adding another champion - to declare a draw!

Spiritual formation is given the more familiar definition of, "the holistic work of God in a believer's life whereby systematic change renders the individual continually closer to the image and actions of Jesus Christ." But added to individual transformation is the principle that, "this happens best in the context of authentic Christian community and is oriented as service toward God and others."

Pettit is not abandoning vital life change in solitude but declares that transformation into Christ's image, "happens best in the context of authentic biblical community."

STRUCTURE

A collection of 11 essays considering 2 broad subjects - `Laying the Foundations of Spiritual Formation' and `Practicing the Elements of Spiritual Formation'. Succinct headed articles, clarifying footnotes and clear font make for comfortable reading.

OVERVIEW

This helpful addition to texts on internal transformation blows apart our safe individualistic `Jesus and me' model. It is a stirring read.

This book is very good in terms of laying the biblical foundations of "spiritual formation and Christian community" (the first section), as well as giving us the practical and functional aspects of this field of study, for example HOW is spiritual formation actually practiced in community; How does it work in our churches, ministries, schools, and our personal daily lives, etc (the second section).

It has BOTH theological and practical values. I highly recommend this book to Christians, no matter you are a leader or a layman.

If you are looking for a book that will help you in your spiritual formation or to give you guidance on how to help others this book is a great asset. Among the many Christian living books that are being published today, some are very touchy feely with little to no content and others read more like Greek and Hebrew commentaries. This book has the depth needed for such an important issue and yet is very readable. The only warning that I'll offer is that if you are looking for a simple confidence builder or something that will make you feel warm and fuzzy this is not the book for that. This book focuses on discussing issues that need dealt with in our own lives or in the life of someone you are trying to help and the advice that it gives is not the easy way out. Instead, the authors challenge the readers to take action in pertinent areas of their lives that need to be shaped and transformed to be more like Christ.

In the world we live in today, everyone has a different view of what defines `spiritual formation' and what it looks like in practice. FOUNDATIONS OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION gives you a foundational biblical truth to spiritual change in your life and in the lives of others.

While many Christian books can be seen as merely "self help" books, Pettit's book goes far beyond that. He chooses to not only focus inward (which is what most `self-help' books tend to do), but brings to attention the importance of our outside community and fellowship with others. This book is the first that I've read that reminds us that change doesn't normally occur in isolation from others. In addition, one of the things I like best about this book is its ability to balance the reliance on the Holy Spirit for growth and importance of implementing life change with others. It does a great job of helping us realize that it is God who changes people, but also empowers us to seek community and change with one another.

Furthermore, I appreciate this book as a whole because it focuses on the biblical philosophy and theory of making disciples and also elaborates on how that is practiced. "First, spiritual formation is the holistic work of God in a believer's life whereby systematic change renders the individual continually closer to the image and actions of Jesus Christ. And second, the change or transformation that occurs in the believer's life happens best in the context of authentic, Christian community and is oriented as service toward God and others" (Pettit 19). If you want a book on discipleship that is theologically sound with a practical applications, this is a must read.